Q: What is Merch Factory?

Merch Factory is India's leading automated Print-on-Demand (POD) and dropshipping partner, designed specifically for D2C clothing brands, content creators, artists, and modern businesses. We empower you to run a global apparel brand with zero machinery, zero inventory, and zero upfront manufacturing costs . The process is incredibly seamless: Design : You upload your custom graphic designs and mock up products using our browser editor. Integrate : Connect your storefront (Shopify, Wix, WooCommerce) to sync incoming orders automatically. Fulfillment : When a customer orders from your store, our factory prints, packs, and ships the product. White-Label : Every package is completely custom-branded under your own name with no mention of Merch Factory. Zero Inventory Risk: You only pay us our base fulfillment fee after your customer buys from you. This completely eliminates dead-stock risk and frees up capital to focus entirely on marketing and brand scaling.

Question 1

What is Merch Factory?

Accepted Answer

Merch Factory is India's leading automated Print-on-Demand (POD) and dropshipping partner, designed specifically for D2C clothing brands, content creators, artists, and modern businesses. We empower you to run a global apparel brand with zero machinery, zero inventory, and zero upfront manufacturing costs.

The process is incredibly seamless:

Design: You upload your custom graphic designs and mock up products using our browser editor.

Integrate: Connect your storefront (Shopify, Wix, WooCommerce) to sync incoming orders automatically.

Fulfillment: When a customer orders from your store, our factory prints, packs, and ships the product.

White-Label: Every package is completely custom-branded under your own name with no mention of Merch Factory.

Zero Inventory Risk

You only pay us our base fulfillment fee after your customer buys from you. This completely eliminates dead-stock risk and frees up capital to focus entirely on marketing and brand scaling.

Question 2

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Setting up your own branded dropshipping store takes less than 10 minutes. Here is the step-by-step checklist to launch:

1

Create a free account on the Merch Factory merchant dashboard.

2

Go to Settings -> Brand and upload your brand logo, legal name, and custom return address details.

3

Prepare your artwork files (we require transparent 300 DPI PNGs).

4

Navigate to Product Catalog, select your desired apparel (e.g., Oversized Tee, Hoodie), and customize it with your design.

5

Connect your e-commerce storefront under Store Integrations (we offer instant API sync for Shopify, Wix, and WooCommerce).

6

Load funds into your platform wallet to automate fulfillment, or place manual sample orders.

Create Your First Product Configure Brand Settings

Question 3

Do I need to keep stock or meet a Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)?

Accepted Answer

No. Merch Factory operates with  absolute zero minimums (0 MOQ) . We are built to fulfill single-unit orders on-demand. Whether you sell a single custom-printed t-shirt to a customer in Tamil Nadu or need 500 oversized hoodies for a pre-order campaign, we accommodate both scales effortlessly. Single Unit : Printed and shipped on-demand for standard dropshipping. Bulk Pricing : If you need stock for local inventory, events, or pre-orders, our platform automatically applies volume-based discount tiers starting at just 5 pieces. MOQ-Free Branding : Custom neck labels and inserts can also be added to single-piece orders.

Question 4

Can I test print quality before launching to my customers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and we highly recommend it!  Ordering samples is the absolute best way to experience our service firsthand. By ordering a sample, you can inspect our premium fabric GSM, check the structural tailoring, verify color translation, and test wash-durability before launching marketing campaigns. Sample Pricing : Samples are paid and charged at our lowest base merchant fulfillment rates. How to Order : Simply create the product in your dashboard, click  New Order , select your design, input your own shipping details, and pay checkout rates. White-label Packaging : You will experience exactly how the parcel arrives on your customer's doorstep.

Question 5

What products can I customize and sell?

Accepted Answer

We manufacture a curated, high-end apparel range tailored specifically for premium streetwear and modern lifestyle brands: Classic T-Shirts : 180 GSM, 100% combed cotton, bio-washed, pre-shrunk, regular unisex fit. Streetwear Oversized Tees : 220-240 GSM, heavy-knit combed cotton, relaxed drop-shoulder tailoring. Hoodies & Sweatshirts : 320-400 GSM, ultra-cozy fleece lining, premium double-lined hoods, heavy rib cuffs. Zippers & Streetwear Apparel : Heavy-weight options with premium metal accents and hardware. Premium Fabrics Only: All our garments are pre-shrunk, bio-washed for extreme softness, and use combed ring-spun cotton. We do not use cheap polyester blends that feel plastic. Detailed size charts are available on every product page.

Question 6

Which printing methods do you use?

Accepted Answer

We utilize industrial-grade, state-of-the-art  Direct-to-Film (DTF)  printing technology as our primary fulfillment mechanism, alongside corporate screen printing for large physical campaigns. Direct-to-Film (DTF) : We use commercial Japanese dual-head printers running premium stretchable TPU powders. This yields incredibly vibrant colors, crisp vector lines, seamless gradients, and a soft, lightweight hand-feel that stretches without cracking. Screen Printing : Available exclusively for offline bulk runs (25+ units). Ideal for large block-color illustrations, metallic/puff inks, and maximum cost efficiency. No Color Limits : Unlike traditional methods, DTF prints photographic details and unlimited colors for the exact same base cost.

Question 7

How long do prints last? What are the washing instructions for cotton fabric and DTF prints?

Accepted Answer

Our prints are engineered to outlast the garment itself. Under standard conditions, our DTF prints remain vibrant and crack-free for  90 to 100+ wash cycles . To ensure maximum wash durability, please advise your customers to follow these premium care instructions: Always wash the garment  inside-out  in cold or lukewarm water. Use a gentle machine cycle with mild, color-safe liquid detergents. Avoid strong chemical fabric softeners, bleaches, or dry-cleaning chemicals. Hang dry in the shade (preferred) or tumble dry on the lowest heat setting. Crucial : Never iron directly over the printed graphic. Iron inside-out on low heat.

Question 8

Can I add custom branding (labels, tags, custom packaging)?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Building a reputable D2C brand requires professional packaging. We offer full end-to-end custom branding solutions: Printed Neck Labels : We can print your brand logo, care symbols, and size details inside the inner collar. Our team cleanly cuts away the generic manufacturer labels. Custom Hangtags : Attach high-end cardboard tags with your logo, social handles, and barcode pricing directly to the apparel collar. Custom Inserts & Packaging : Include discount cards, sticker packs, or custom poly mailer flyers. Our packing team will place them inside every package. Setup and Config: Branding assets can be configured directly inside your Brand Settings in the dashboard. Neck labels add a minimal base fee of just ₹15 per garment.

Question 9

Which file types and formats do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept one primary, industry-standard file format for printing: PNG (Portable Network Graphics) :  Required for all digital prints, logos, illustrations, and typography.  Your PNGs  must have a 100% transparent background  and be exported at 300 DPI unless you explicitly want a colored background box printed. SVG & JPEG Blocked: We no longer accept SVGs or JPEGs directly in the editor to prevent alignment, rendering, and print quality issues. Please export all your designs as transparent PNG files. Read Design Submission Guidelines

Question 10

What DPI and resolution should I use?

Accepted Answer

For  PNG images , your files must be created and exported at  300 DPI (Dots Per Inch)  at the actual desired print dimensions: Standard Chest Print (12" x 16") : PNG resolution should be  3600 x 4800 pixels  minimum. Small Left-Chest Print (4" x 4") : PNG resolution should be  1200 x 1200 pixels  minimum. Learn more about how to submit designs Low-Res Warning: Uploading screenshots, web images, or low-res files (72 DPI) will result in blurred, fuzzy, and cheap-looking prints. Always export print-ready assets from Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Canva (Pro), or Figma at maximum scale.

Question 11

Can I print on multiple areas (front, back, sleeves)?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can fully customize multiple printing zones on a single garment to design premium streetwear: Front Print  (Center Chest, Left Chest, Pocket, or Lower Stomach) Full Back Print  (Up to 14" x 18" maximum print canvas) Sleeve Prints  (Left Sleeve and Right Sleeve print placements) Inner Neck  (For custom branded neck-labels) Each extra print zone adds a calculated printing fee to the base garment cost. The final fulfillment cost is updated instantly in real-time as you construct the mockup in our product designer.

Question 12

What are the best color tips for perfect prints?

Accepted Answer

Apparel printing is different from screen displays. Follow these expert tips for perfect color translation: Use the  sRGB color space  (specifically sRGB IEC61966-2.1) when exporting design assets. Avoid extremely low opacity glowing edges or transparent shadows. On dark garments, our printers lay a white ink base underneath. Semi-transparent pixels may print as a solid white mist. Make sure elements have solid, high-contrast borders against the shirt color. For example, thin black text on a black t-shirt will disappear completely. Avoid lines thinner than  1.5mm / 4px ; they are too small to bind with the powder adhesive and may peel during washing.

Question 13

How is the fulfillment price calculated?

Accepted Answer

We operate on a transparent, flat-rate pricing structure. There are no surprise costs: Fulfillment Formula Fulfillment Cost = Garment Base Cost + Print Fee (per zone) + Branding Add-ons + 5% GST Garment Base Cost : Fixed cost for the physical blank (varies by fabric, GSM, and style). Print Fee : Calculated based on the number of printed zones and total surface area (e.g., standard A4 vs oversized A3). GST : In India, apparel blanks and textile printing priced under ₹1,000 attract a lower  5% GST  rate. Since all base garments in our catalog are priced under ₹1,000, a flat 5% GST is applied to your garment and printing production. (Note: Shipping and courier services attract a standard 18% GST rate). Shipping : Calculated based on parcel weight (500g steps) and destination zone, shown at checkout.

Question 14

Do specific garment sizes or colors alter the pricing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, slightly. While basic sizes (S, M, L, XL, 2XL) are priced identically: Extended Sizes (3XL, 4XL, 5XL+) : Require significantly more fabric and dye material, incurring a small manufacturing surcharge of ₹30 to ₹50 depending on the catalog item. Garment Color : Fabric colors themselves are priced identically, but dark colored garments require a White Ink Underbase print cycle, making the print fee slightly higher than white garments. All price adjustments are handled dynamically and display instantly in the mockup designer.

Question 15

Are volume-based bulk discounts available?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  While we support single-piece on-demand printing, we offer automated volume discounts for merchants stocking up, handling pre-orders, or fulfilling offline corporate runs: Discounts start automatically at just  5+ units  of the same product style. Tiers decrease costs at  10+, 20+, 50+, 100+, and 500+ unit  increments. For massive offline campaigns (1000+ units), you can request a custom quote directly from our wholesale desk. Discounts are applied instantly at checkout without requiring promotional codes.

Question 16

Are there any account registration or setup fees?

Accepted Answer

No.  Registering an account and integrating your storefront is  100% free . There are zero monthly subscription charges, zero hidden platform fees, and zero software maintenance costs. You are billed exclusively for the physical orders we print, pack, and ship on your behalf.

Question 17

What is the typical production and dispatch timeline?

Accepted Answer

We understand that delivery speed dictates your D2C brand's success. Our factory operates with highly consistent timelines: Standard On-Demand Orders (1–30 pcs) : Printed, quality checked, packed, and dispatched within  2 to 4 business days . Bulk Production Runs (30–200 pcs) : Typically ship within  4 to 6 business days . Large Batches (200+ pcs) : Detailed timelines are provided during bulk checkout booking. Holidays & Sundays: Please note that our printing and logistics dispatch operations do not run on Sundays or national holidays. These days are excluded from the business day count.

Question 18

Can I order custom samples?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We encourage every merchant to order physical samples to verify fits, fabric hand-feel, and color gradients. Since every print job requires custom artwork setup, we do not provide free samples. However, you can order a sample at our lowest merchant pricing rate with  no minimums : Create a free Merch Factory account. Design your product mockup using our dashboard designer. Go to New Order, add the product to your cart, select your size, and input your own delivery details. Proceed with the payment at base merchant checkout rates.

Question 19

Can I edit customer details, shipping address, or cancel an order after payment?

Accepted Answer

Because our printing system is fully automated to guarantee maximum dispatch speeds: Cancellation & Edit Policy: You can modify delivery details, change phone numbers, or cancel an order  only if the order status is "Pending" or "Payment Completed" . Once the status changes to  "Processing" , the print queue has sent the digital files to the machine and custom printing has commenced. Beyond this threshold,  no cancellations, size modifications, or refunds can be issued under any circumstances . Additionally, courier details cannot be adjusted after the package status updates to  "Shipped"  as the physical routing labels are locked.

Question 20

How are returns, failed deliveries (RTO), and manufacturing defects handled?

Accepted Answer

We operate on a clear, professional operating policy split into three distinct categories: 1. Failed Deliveries (RTO - Return to Origin): If a customer rejects a package, is unavailable after 3 attempts, or provides an invalid pincode, the courier returns the package to our Indore facility.   -  Storage : We scan the RTO package into your merchant inventory and store it for  30 days  in pristine condition. -  Action : You can reship it to a new customer or corrected address anytime within this window by paying the forward shipping fee. -  RTO Fees : Courier companies charge us return logistics. Thus, we charge back a standard RTO fee (equal to the original forward shipping rate). -  Expiry : Items left unclaimed for more than 30 days are automatically recycled or donated to charity. 2. Customer Returns (Reverse Logistics): If you wish to offer size exchanges or buyer's remorse returns, you can trigger a  Reverse Order  on the dashboard. We arrange for a courier to pick up the item from your customer and deliver it to our facility, where it enters your 30-day holding inventory. 3. Manufacturing Defects or Print Errors (Reprints-Only): Since every product is custom printed to order, we operate on a strict  Reprints-Only policy  (we do not offer monetary refunds). If a product arrives misprinted, damaged, or the wrong size:   -  Timeline : Submit a support ticket within  3 days of delivery . -  Proof : You  must  provide a clear unboxing video or high-res photos showcasing the issue. -  Resolution : Once verified, we immediately print and ship a replacement at zero cost to you.

Question 21

Can I mix different apparel styles, sizes, and colors in a single order?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely!  You have complete design flexibility. You can place a single customer order containing an oversized black t-shirt (size L), a standard white tee (size M), and a premium fleece hoodie (size XL). Our system will automatically combine the total weight, calculate the single consolidated shipping cost, and apply any multi-item volume discounts instantly.

Question 22

Where do you ship, and do you support international shipping?

Accepted Answer

We provide nationwide coverage, shipping to over  27,000+ pincodes in India  using top-tier national logistics aggregators and direct courier accounts. International Shipping : Automated direct international fulfillment is not integrated into our checkout. However, you can leverage  Self-Shipping : Choose  Self-Shipping  in the manual order creator. Purchase and generate your own international shipping labels via DHL, FedEx, or Aramex. Provide the generated shipping label PDF on the dashboard. Our Indore factory team will pack the item, apply your label, and hold it at our loading dock for your courier's pickup. We provide fully formatted commercial invoices to facilitate seamless customs clearance.

Question 23

How do I track shipments?

Accepted Answer

We ensure complete transparency throughout the transit cycle: As soon as the courier scans the package at our factory dock, a unique Air Waybill (AWB) tracking number is generated. An automated WhatsApp, SMS, and Email notification are dispatched directly to your customer under your brand name. The AWB and live courier milestones sync instantly back to your merchant dashboard under the Orders tab. Integrated e-commerce platforms (Shopify, Wix) are updated via API to mark the order as fulfilled and trigger native store email alerts.

Question 24

Do you offer blind (white-label) shipping?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 100%.  Merch Factory operates as a completely silent fulfillment partner. Sender Name : The shipping label lists  your Brand Name  (configured in settings) as the sender. There is no mention of "Merch Factory" anywhere. Return Address : We use a neutral warehousing address in Indore for returns to safeguard your business identity. No Invoices Included : The parcel contains no invoices, prices, or marketing materials listing Merch Factory. The customer receives a pure branded box.

Question 25

What happens if a package is lost in transit by the courier company?

Accepted Answer

While we partner with India's most reliable couriers (Bluedart, Delhivery, Shadowfax), transit incidents can occasionally occur: Lost Shipments : If an order shows no tracking movement for more than 7 days, we open an official dispute with the courier company. Resolution : If the courier officially declares the package as lost or damaged during transit,  Merch Factory will reprint and reship the entire order at absolute zero cost to you . Reporting : If you notice a shipment stuck, simply navigate to the  Help Center  in your dashboard and raise a support ticket so our logistics desk can escalate it.

Question 26

Can I use my own custom courier accounts (Self-Ship)?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  If you have high-volume corporate accounts with Shiprocket, Delhivery, or Bluedart and prefer to manage your own logistics costs: Select  Self-Shipping  during manual order creation or within integration settings. Enter the specific courier name and AWB tracking number you want to use. Supply or upload the AWB shipping label PDF. Our packing team will process the order, apply your label, and place the parcel in our Indore hub pickup bay for your designated courier driver.

Question 27

What is the detailed RTO warehouse holding and donation policy?

Accepted Answer

To protect merchants from inventory losses, we offer an industry-leading physical storage window: Scan & Log : Returned-to-Origin (RTO) items are received at our factory, scanned, and logged under  Returned Products  in your dashboard. 30-Day Holding : We hold your items safely for a maximum of  30 days  at zero storage cost. Reshipping : You can reship this exact product to any corrected address within this window by paying only the new forward shipping fee. Holding Expiry : Items left unclaimed past 30 days are permanently flagged. After a final  3-day grace period  shown on the dashboard, the items are donated to local NGOs or discarded to maintain factory efficiency. We are not liable for expired inventory.

Question 28

What payment methods do you support?

Accepted Answer

We accept all major, secure Indian payment options through our encrypted checkout partners (Razorpay and PhonePe): UPI : Instant transfers via GPay, PhonePe, Paytm, and BHIM. Cards : All domestic and international Debit and Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, Amex). Net Banking : Direct integration with over 50+ major Indian banks. Merchant Wallet : Load funds into your dashboard wallet via card or UPI to enable  automated, one-click order fulfillment  without manually executing checkouts.

Question 29

Do you provide GST invoices, and can I claim input tax credit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely.  We operate in full compliance with Indian tax laws. Automated Invoicing : Every single transaction, manual checkout, or wallet recharge generates a detailed, downloadable GST invoice. Input Tax Credit (ITC) : Go to your dashboard and navigate to  Settings → Billing . Enter your company's official  GSTIN  and registered business name. Compliance : All future invoices will carry your tax numbers, enabling your accounting team to seamlessly file for monthly input tax credits.

Question 30

How does Cash on Delivery (COD) work, and what is the payout remittance cycle?

Accepted Answer

Cash on Delivery is a vital channel for Indian e-commerce, representing over 60% of all D2C transactions. We offer full, automated COD support across 27,000+ serviceable pin codes: Upfront Production Payment : Since every garment is custom printed on-demand, you pay the base product and shipping fee upfront from your dashboard wallet to initiate printing and dispatch. Customer Delivery & Doorstep Collection : The courier delivers the package under your brand name (completely white-labeled) and collects the full retail price from your customer upon delivery. COD Fees : Courier companies charge a nominal handling fee (typically ₹30–₹40 per package) for physical cash collection and door-to-door logistics, shown at checkout. Fast Remittance Cycle (Delivered + 4 Working Days) : Once the courier marks the order as "Delivered" and reconciles the cash, we credit the  entire collected retail amount  directly to your registered bank account or UPI ID in just  4 working days , seamlessly returning your upfront cost and profit. Verification Recommendation : Due to high Cash-on-Delivery RTO (Return to Origin) rates in India, we strongly advise using automated OTP or WhatsApp confirmation on your store before fulfilling COD orders to verify addresses and purchase intent. Configure Payout Details

Question 31

Can I refund or withdraw money loaded to my merchant wallet?

Accepted Answer

Please plan your balances carefully: Wallet Refund Policy: Per our Terms of Service,  all funds loaded or recharged into your Merch Factory wallet are strictly non-refundable and cannot be withdrawn, returned, or transferred to any bank account . Wallet balances never expire and can only be used to pay for print-on-demand products, custom branding, or courier shipping fees on our platform.

Question 32

Can I manage multiple different brands under a single merchant login?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  We are built to support creator agencies and multi-brand D2C entrepreneurs. From your single dashboard login, you can create and manage multiple separate brands. Each brand operates in its own isolated environment: Isolated product designs and catalogs. Distinct store integrations (e.g., Brand A connected to Shopify, Brand B to Wix). Independent shipping settings, custom packing inserts, and neck labels. Separate wallet balances and payout accounts. You can seamlessly toggle between brands using the switcher at the top left of your merchant dashboard.

Question 33

Can I invite team members or designers to help manage my brand?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely.  Collaboration is essential for growing brands. You can invite co-founders, graphic designers, or customer support representatives to join your brand workspace: Invite teammates securely via  Settings → Team  using their email address. Assign custom access levels (Admin, Editor, Support, Designer) to control permissions and restrict access to billing information or wallet recharges. Teammates log in using their own credentials, keeping your primary owner account secure.

Question 34

How do I contact merchant support for order issues?

Accepted Answer

We provide dedicated, high-priority support channels for our active merchants: Dashboard Help Center : Access our automated troubleshooter or submit support tickets for shipping delays, print defects, or fabric damage. Dedicated WhatsApp Support : Reserved for high-volume partners (50+ orders or ₹25k+ spend in the last two consecutive months) for real-time operations coordination. Official Email Desk : Reach out via  contact@merchfactory.in  for partnership, legal, or API integration inquiries. Resolution Tip: For rapid support response, always include your specific  Order ID , brand details, and attach clear unboxing videos or images for printing issues.

Question 35

Who owns the intellectual property and copyright of uploaded designs?

Accepted Answer

You do. Completely. Merch Factory claims  zero ownership, copyright, or trademark rights  over any design, graphic, or brand asset you upload. You represent and warrant that you hold the legal license or copyright for the files you upload. Temporary Printing License: By uploading designs, you grant us a temporary, non-exclusive, royalty-free license solely to print, package, and ship physical products to fulfill orders on your behalf. We will never sell or display your artwork to third parties without your explicit permission.

Question 36

What designs or content are strictly prohibited from printing?

Accepted Answer

We enforce a strict compliance and legal safety policy. We reserve the absolute right to cancel and refund orders that depict: Infringing content (unlicensed movie posters, video game logos, famous brand trademarks, or copyrighted artwork you do not own). Hate speech, promotion of violence, harassment, discrimination, or illegal activities. Graphic obscenity, child abuse materials, or content violating local Indian law guidelines. Zero-Tolerance Suspension: Repeated attempts to print copyrighted, trademarked, or illegal graphics will lead to immediate account suspension and permanent forfeiture of remaining wallet balances.

FAQs

What is Merch Factory?

How do I get started?

Do I need to keep stock or meet a Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)?

Can I test print quality before launching to my customers?